Bloemfontein: The Free State police’s ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and fraud pertaining to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) at the Department of Labour has culminated in the appearance of 16 suspects in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court.
The arrestees are set to reappear on 15 August following their appearance on Wednesday. 9 July.
The suspects are: Kelopa Bethuel Mahlatsi (42), Kamoho Letuka (47), Thembinkosi Meshack Nelani (41), Pogisho Isaacs Senakgomo (60), Molefi Douglas Mayoba (55), Vuyo Kati (36), Tshendo Motshabi (38), Dintlese Jenipher Motshabi (51), Lehlohonolo Motloung (38), Lucas Marumo Lecoko (41), Thabane Clifford Nkolonyane (32), Senjanamane David Ramatsoele (35), Thabang Benedict Thipe (46), Vuyane Albert Njonondwana (49), Teboho Theron Thwani (38) and Bongani Radebe (41).
They were arrested on separate occasions, with Mahlatsi the first to be apprehended − on 3 July.
He was arrested at the Bloemfontein branch of the Department of Labour by members of Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Public Order Police (POP), as well as the police’s Mounted Unit.
Brig. Motantsi Makhele explained that the arrest followed a five-month investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption within the Department of Labour.
He said an investigation into a sophisticated scam involved false UIF claims. It is alleged that the mastermind behind the operation recruited unsuspecting individuals and used their personal information to register false claims with the department.
The money obtained fraudulently reportedly enriched the recruiter and, in some cases, was shared with the person whose identity was used.
Makhele said the department reportedly lost more than R1,5 million. He has confirmed that the police have arrested numerous suspects in the Free State and Gauteng, based on prima facie evidence.
The suspects were granted bail during their appearance. Mahlatsi’s bail was set at R10 000, while Letuka and Radebe were granted bail of R3 000 and R2 000, respectively. The other 13 suspects were granted bail of R1 000 each.
